Metascore®Mixed or average reviewsbased on a weighted average of allcritic review scores.

50

out of 100

Chicago Sun-TimesRichard Roeper

This is a well-made, topical thriller with a top-notch cast — but the script and the directorial/editing choices undercut nearly every pivotal scene, and every plot twist we can see coming two scenes in advance.

The satisfactions of the film are in seeing what a screen full of excellent players can do to steer you around the holes. Bana never quite seems enough to anchor a picture for me; all the same, he acquits himself sharply here.

Parents need to know that Closed Circuit is an English crime thriller that focuses for a while on talking and discovering information and then has a big chase-and-escape sequence at the climax. There's some fighting and a little blood when a woman is attacked and fights back. There's also a lethal explosion that kills 120 people and a car crash. "F--k" is used a few times, but, overall, language is sparse. A flashback shows kissing, and there's some flirting. One minor character is said to be a heroin dealer; he's shown suffering from using the drug. Some characters smoke cigarettes. The movie's tone/structure -- which asks audiences to think heavily during the first two-thirds and then turn off their brains during the last act -- makes it seem unlikely to appeal to a broad audience.

Families can talk about Closed Circuit's violence. Does the attacking, chasing, and attempted killing make sense in this story? Why or why not?

Is this a pessimistic story? Do you believe that huge entities can become so corrupt that they'd kill to protect their secrets? Are they the equivalent of bullies? Can normal people stop such a thing?

Are the main characters role models? Are they fighting for freedom or the truth? What's the difference?

Is Claudia a positive role model for women?

The good stuff

Messages: The movie takes place in a world of corruption at the highest and most powerful levels, where an individual has no hope of changing anything -- and, indeed, may suffer the consequences for even trying. But at the very last moment, a chorus of voices may hope to chime in and be heard.

Role models: The movie focuses on two London barristers (lawyers) who try to do the right thing, even in the face of impossible odds and rampant corruption. They risk their lives to save a young boy, and they try to tell the truth, even risking their lives. One of the barristers is a woman who shows great confidence and competence, even under considerable pressure.

What to watch for

Violence: There's a huge explosion during the opening moments in which 120 people are said to have died. During the movie's final stretch, the main characters are chased and attacked. Two men try to choke the heroine. The first time, she smashes a glass in her attacker's face and bites him; some blood is shown. The second time, she's rescued when a character bashes her attacker in the head. A 14-year-old boy is briefly in danger. The hero lives through a car crash.

Sex: The two main characters are former lovers; in one scene, viewers see flashbacks to them dancing and kissing. Otherwise, they keep each other at a distance (until the very end, when they start flirting again).

Language: "F--k" is used a few times, plus "s--t," "prick," and "Jesus" (as an exclamation).

Consumerism: Not applicable

Drinking, drugs and smoking: A minor character is said to be a heroin dealer. He's shown suffering and sick from using prison heroin (which is cut and not as strong as pure heroin, viewers are told). Some secondary characters smoke cigarettes, and the male lead is shown smoking one cigarette.

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